pest management – mycolab.ai

Role of Azolla in sustainable agriculture and climate resilience: a comprehensive review

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Azolla is a fast-growing water fern that can help farms become more sustainable by naturally fertilizing soil with nitrogen, reducing the need for chemical fertilizers. It also helps control weeds, conserve water, and provides nutritious feed for livestock and fish. Beyond agriculture, Azolla can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and clean polluted water, making it valuable for both farming and environmental protection.

Genome Sequence, Comparative Genome Analysis, and Expression Profiling of the Chitinase GH18 Gene Family in Cordyceps javanica Bd01

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Scientists sequenced the complete genome of Cordyceps javanica, a fungus used to control pest insects. They discovered that this fungus has an expanded family of 27 chitinase genes (GH18), which are enzymes that help the fungus penetrate insect exoskeletons. These genes show strong evolutionary conservation and stability, making them valuable for developing more effective natural pesticides and understanding how fungal biocontrol agents work.

Screening and Optimization of Solid-State Fermentation for Esteya vermicola, an Entomopathogenic Fungus Against the Major Forest Pest Pine Wood Nematode

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Scientists optimized how to grow large quantities of a beneficial fungus called Esteya vermicola in solid fermentation, which kills the pine wood nematode pest that destroys pine forests. By testing different combinations of ingredients (wheat bran, corn flour, soybean flour, glucose, yeast extract, and magnesium sulfate) and environmental conditions (temperature, humidity, inoculation volume, and time), researchers increased fungal spore production more than 4-fold. These results provide a practical method for producing biopesticide products to protect pine forests from this damaging pest.

First Record of Clonostachys rosea as an Entomopathogenic Fungus of the Cephus fumipennis (Hymenoptera: Cephidae) in China

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Scientists in China discovered a fungus called Clonostachys rosea that naturally kills wheat stem sawfly larvae, a major pest damaging wheat crops. The fungus was isolated from infected larvae and tested for effectiveness against the pest. Laboratory tests showed the fungus can kill sawfly larvae at different concentrations, with the fastest effect at higher spore levels. This discovery offers a natural and environmentally friendly alternative to chemical pesticides for protecting wheat crops.

A review and case study of Rhododendron moulmainense highlights the feasibility and adaptation of evergreen Rhododendron plants to current environmental challenges

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This study examines Rhododendron moulmainense, a beautiful alpine flowering plant being adapted for urban gardens. Researchers discovered that special soil fungi living in the plant’s roots help it survive stress like drought and heat. The study details multiple ways to grow new plants through cuttings, tissue culture, and seeds, with success rates over 90%. Understanding this plant’s adaptation mechanisms provides strategies for introducing more alpine rhododendrons to lower-altitude cities while improving their resilience to climate challenges.

Draft genome of Conoideocrella luteorostrata ARSEF 14590 (Clavicipitaceae), an entomopathogenic fungus with a wealth of biosynthetic and biocontrol potential

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Scientists have sequenced the complete genome of a fungus that naturally kills elongate hemlock scale insects, pests that damage Christmas trees. The fungus contains genes for producing cephalosporin, a well-known antibiotic, and other bioactive compounds. This discovery opens new possibilities for using this fungus as a natural pest control method and potentially developing new medicines from its biological compounds.

Microcycle Conidia Production in an Entomopathogenic Fungus Beauveria bassiana: The Role of Chitin Deacetylase in the Conidiation and the Contribution of Nanocoating in Conidial Stability

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Researchers developed a method to dramatically increase the production of fungal spores used for controlling crop-damaging insects like armyworms. By using a special growth medium and coating the spores with nanoscale particles, they created more stable and effective fungal pesticides that work faster and better in the field. This advance could make biological pest control more practical and affordable for farmers.

Effect of Rare, Locally Isolated Entomopathogenic Fungi on the Survival of Bactrocera oleae Pupae in Laboratory Soil Conditions

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This study tested different types of beneficial fungi to control olive fruit flies, which are major pests in Mediterranean olive groves. Researchers found that several fungi species, particularly those from the Aspergillus genus, can effectively kill olive fly pupae when applied to soil. The results suggest these fungi could be developed into biological pesticides to protect olive crops without harmful chemical insecticides.

Beauveria felina Accelerates Growth When Competing With Other Potential Endophytes

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Scientists studied how Beauveria felina, a fungus used to control crop pests, grows when living alongside other fungi naturally found in plants. They discovered that instead of being inhibited by competitors, B. felina actually grew much faster when other fungi were present. In some cases, an inhibition zone formed between B. felina and one competitor fungus, suggesting they produce chemicals that affect each other’s growth. These findings suggest B. felina could be a good biocontrol agent, but researchers need to study longer-term effects before using it widely on farms.

Xenorhabdus spp.: An Overview of the Useful Facets of Mutualistic Bacteria of Entomopathogenic Nematodes

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Xenorhabdus bacteria are tiny organisms that naturally live inside microscopic worms used for pest control. These bacteria produce powerful substances that can kill harmful insects, fungi, and plant-damaging worms without using toxic chemical pesticides. Scientists are discovering new types of these bacteria and their compounds, which could help create safer products for farming and disease control. This research shows these beneficial microbes could replace harmful chemicals in agriculture.

Research Keyword: pest management